Evacuation in the Case of Blackout (Loss of Electricity)

If a partial or complete loss of electrical power occurs, backup generators will power certain systems, including life-safety systems and some elevators for emergency personnel use. Property management will determine the appropriate response to a loss of power. In general, the decision regarding the action to be taken in a blackout situation will depend on the estimated duration of the blackout.

Security will keep building occupants informed by using radios and/or the voice communication system. If building management has determined that the blackout will be short-term and no evacuation is necessary, Security personnel will announce that the blackout is temporary and will ask that building occupants remain calm and await the restoration of power. If the blackout is expected to last for an extended period, or its probable duration cannot be determined, the building manager may order evacuation of the affected areas.

If evacuation is deemed necessary, security officers will assist building occupants in evacuating the building.

To be successful and avoid panic and confusion, an evacuation in the case of blackout must be an orderly and structured process.

The evacuation will begin at the top of the building and proceed down to the lowest floor.

Security officers will be dispatched to the floor to assist with the floor-by-floor evacuation of the building.

Security will announce the plan to evacuate over the voice communications system. Evacuation normally takes place one floor at a time.

Women should remove high-heeled shoes to make walking easier and less dangerous.

Personnel should remain calm and quiet, and move to the nearest fire exit. Do not attempt to use elevators.

If an individual on a floor is disabled or cannot walk down the stairs, a security officer will request that a co-worker stay behind with the disabled person until another means of evacuation becomes available. The security officer will inform Security of every person who is stranded on each floor.

When the security officer has determined that the evacuation of a floor is complete, he or she will notify Security and will then proceed to the floor below. The evacuation procedure is repeated for each floor until the affected floors are completely evacuated.

No one (other than emergency or repair personnel) will be permitted to enter the building until an all clear is declared and building personnel are permitted to return.